Climate impact optimization in concrete bridge construction

Paper i proceeding, 2017

Estimates indicate that the total climate impact, from a lifecycle perspective, generated bySwedish construction processes reaches the same magnitude as emissions from all passenger carsin Sweden. A large part of the emissions from construction of roads and railways arise fromproduction of steel and concrete used in bridges and other infrastructure structures. In thisresearch, several cases of existing concrete bridges have been investigated. The case studies are ina very firm way analyzed, and then opportunities for reducing climate gas emissions are describedand elaborated upon. Accordingly, design and dimensioning through the use of today’s technologyand material selection are discussed. Without developing new ways to construct bridges, orcomparing concrete with other materials, a useful guide on how to use technology andopportunities that are available for constructing climate smarter versions of standard bridgestoday is developed and described.